Smashing Pumpkins say D’arcy Wrtezky has “always deferred” invitations to work again with group

Credit: Scarlet PageThe Smashing Pumpkins are responding to a claim by former bass player D’arcy Wretzky that Billy Corgan did ask her to be a part of an in-the-works reunion, only to rescind the offer.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the band said, “In reuniting The Smashing Pumpkins, the band’s dedication remains to its fans and its music. To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and William Corgan haven’t played a show with D’arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it’s not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon.”

The statement seems to be the first official confirmation of the reunion. A countdown clock on the band’s website promises something on Thursday at noon ET and Monday afternoon the band posted a tweet with the words “disarm you with a smile” in white-on-black and the date 2/15/18.

Corgan also has shared images of himself, Iha and Chamberlin in a recording studio in recent days.